face-off

1 of 2

noun

ˈfās-ˌȯf How to pronounce face-off (audio)
Synonyms of face-offnext
1
: a method of beginning play (as in hockey or lacrosse) in which two opponents face each other and attempt to gain control of a puck or ball dropped or placed between them
2
: confrontation

face off

2 of 2

verb

faced off; facing off; faces off

intransitive verb

: to be in or come into opposition or competition
politicians facing off against each other in a televised debate

Synonyms of face-off

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Noun

Verb

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Examples of face-off in a Sentence

Noun the annual fall face-off between these traditional rivals is a big event for both football-mad colleges Verb eager to face off with her longtime tennis rival
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Our Avengers assemble for one final face-off against Thanos, bringing some heroes’ stories to a close and teasing others that are just beginning. — Ew Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026 For national tournaments, the corollary is how poorer countries always have to match up against richer ones for regional face-offs and qualifiers that culminate in the quadrennial dream that is the World Cup. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026
Verb
Antioch Full Gospel Baptist Church members who are facing off in court over control of the College Station congregation will meet Monday to determine the process for picking who gets to preach. — Arkansas Online, 15 Aug. 2026 The two superstars had already faced off twice, with Misiorowski throwing six straight fastballs over 102 mph to retire him on a popup leading off the game. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for face-off

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of face-off was in 1886

Rhymes for face-off

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Browse Nearby Words

face nailing
face-off
face off
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Face-off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/face-off. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

face-off

1 of 2 noun
ˈfā-ˌsȯf
1
: a method of putting a puck in play in ice hockey by dropping it between two opposing players
2
: a meeting of opposing forces : confrontation

face off

2 of 2 verb
: to be in or come into opposition or competition
politicians facing off each other in a debate

More from Merriam-Webster on face-off

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about face-off

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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